This month, May 24th, the 8th International Wild Flower Festival comes to Bohinj, Slovenia. This alpine flower festival shows off one of the country’s most treasured nature attractions, some of the most beautiful wild flowers in all Europe, AND one of Slovenia’s most fascinating towns.
There aren’t too many places in the Alps that can equal the diverse flora in and around than the area of Bohinj and periglacial Lake Bohinj. This part of the Julian Alps is magnificent for many reasons, not the lead of which are the wonderful meadows and vast forests where these fabulous flowers flourish. The high moors of this part of the world are a world apart.
If you miss the butterflies of your youth, this is one of the last places on Earth to find such a wide variety. As for this year’s festival, visitors this year can experience botanical excursions past St. John’s Church and the majesty that is beyond, the orchids to behold at places named mysteriously such as; Zois Mansion and the Devil’s Bridge. On past Mostnica waterfall and into the gorge of the same name, the Bohinj valley holds so many colorful wonders.
Organized by Turizem Bohinj, the fest has everything from culinary packages, to hiking, fishing, and an array of citywide events for the whole family. Performances by children’s’ folk dance groups, workshops, concerts, and everything from embroidery exhibitions to fairs and market excursions will be in story for participants. Below is a sampling of activities from May 24th coming up.
9 am – 1 pm Market – Local Craft Market, (Market, Bohinjska Bistrica)
11 am Traditional Slovene Folk Dances – Bohinjska Bistrica Folklore Group, (Market, Bohinjska Bistrica)
3 pm – 7 pm Guided botanical excursion – The Harmony of Water, Forests and Screes (The north coast of Bohinj Lake)
7 pm Fair organized by Dr Janez Mencinger Primary School pupils (in front of J. Ažman Cultural Hall, Bohinjska Bistrica)
8 pm Opening Ceremony, (J. Ažman Cultural Hall, Bohinjska Bistrica)
For more information about Bohinj, accommodations there, and events surrounding this festival, please contact the organizers directly at:
Turizem Bohinj – Ph: 00386 4 574 75 90 or Email: info@bohinj.si
Additional image credit: Bohinj, a basin in the Julian Alps – courtesy Matevž Lenarčič